Two summaries from a review by Kelly Osmont in Death Studies journal (subs £45 from Taylor & Francis Ltd, 1 Gunpowder Sqaure, London EC4A 3DE) of Death Notification: a practical guide to the process by R. Moroni Leash (published by Upper Access, Hinesburg, Vermont, 1994, ISBN 0 942679 08 3, $19.95).
When a patient in hospital is alive, and the medical staff is working on a revival, Leash, a medical social worker, suggests that family members should be kept informed every 15 minutes "to alleviate anxiety and convey to the family that everything possible is being done for their loved one".
And when the battle is lost?
Leash writes:
With all the hurrying that goes on, somehow the patient becomes a thing. So when we know they're not going to be saved, I like to lean down and whisper goodbye. It's the one time I let my guard down. They're checking out, and why not make them feel better about it.
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